Riyad celebrates third in style

Bangladesh all rounder Mahmudullah Riyad celebrates after scoring his century against Windies on Day 2 of second Test match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Photo: Kazi Borhan Uddin

Talha Kamal
Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad struck his third Test century as Bangladesh posted a mammoth total of 508 runs against Windies in the first innings on Day 2 of second Test match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
To get his second Test ton, Mahmudullah waited for eight and a half years after his first Test century back in 2010 in Hamilton. However, he didn’t had to wait long for his third Test century.
After Zimbabwe series, he got his third Test ton within 17 days. Recently, he is enjoying a consistent run of form in Tests. After getting his third test ton, Mahmudullah celebrated in his usual manner. He opened the gloves and threw a flying kiss in the air.
Mahmudullah’s innings was filled with elegancy. It was a proper Test match innings. He scored 136 off 246 deliveries, with 10 boundaries. Mahmudullah started the day with his overnight score of 31. Riyad scored 16th half century of his career and kept the batting wheel running. Mahmudullah was instrumental in Tigers mammoth total of 508. Wickets kept falling at the other end but Mahmudullah stood still and tried to build partnerships with players.
Mahmudullah helped Bangladesh consolidate as he put on 111-run with Shakib Al Hasan for the sixth wicket and 92-run with Liton Das for the seventh wicket after Bangladesh resumed second day´s play 259-5. Mahmudullah and Liton maintained the pressure helping the home side add 128 runs in 25 overs of the morning session.
After Liton’s dismissal, Jomel Warrican dismissed next batsman Mehidy Hasan, but Taijul and Mahmudullah frustrated Windies with an unbroken 55-run ninth wicket stand.
Mahmudullah, who struck his second Test century against Zimbabwe earlier this month, seemed determined not to waste his chance when he got it against West Indies.
“I think I made slight mental adjustments [for Test] cricket as I felt I would try to bat the way I do it in the ODI’s, I wanted to bat positively if the first ball is there for me to hit for a four I would go after it [that is mindset I am carrying now],” Mahmudullah told reporters after the match.
“I have been thinking from the second Test against Zimbabwe, I decided to take care of my mentality. I wanted to remain positive, nothing more than that,” he added.
The right-handed batsman narrowly escaped a run-out at 98. He reached the three-figure mark in 203 balls while sending a Roston Chase delivery to the rope through point. Mahmdullah was the last man out for Bangladesh.